ASAE suspends the activities of nine food and beverage establishments in the Lisbon metropolitan area.

The Food and Economic Security Authority (ASAE) suspended the activities of nine food and drink establishments in an operation that took place in the municipalities of Lisbon, Oeiras and Cascais and opened two criminal proceedings.

In a statement issued this Saturday, ASAE said that the inspection operation, aimed at verifying compliance with operating regulations in the restaurant and beverage sector, with a particular focus on technical-functional and hygienic conditions, took place late last week.

During the operation, 34 economic operators were audited and two criminal cases were opened for usurpation of protected designation of origin/protected geographical indication (DOP/IGP) and goods fraud.

The suspension of the activities of nine public catering establishments was established due to a violation of the general duties of the operating organization, namely the lack of general and special sanitary and hygienic conditions in restaurants.

Also, 25 cases of administrative offenses were initiated, among which ASSAE identifies “violations related to compliance with HACCP” as the main offenses. [sigla em inglês para Análise de perigos e pontos críticos de controlo] lack of general and special sanitary and hygienic conditions, as well as violation of the general duties of the operating organization.

According to ASAE, violations were also found regarding lack of pest control, lack of mandatory information signs, lack of a physical and electronic complaint book, and others.

During the action, 25 liters of wine worth 100 euros were also seized due to the lack of labeling on wine drinks.

ASAE’s actions included collaboration with the Lisbon Municipal Police, PSP, Tax Office and IGAC – Inspectorate General of Cultural Activities.